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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. How many visitors come to Mugo's house in "Chapter 1"?

2. In "Chapter 2," what does the narrator say white men spread around Kenya?

3. While attending school as a child, what did Kihika do when he was threatened with a beating?

4. What made the agricultural officer dream for a Forest Station?

5. Why does Gikonyo run home in "Chapter 3"?

Short Essay Questions

1. In "Chapter 7," what does the narrator say about Mumbi's feelings toward the Movement?

2. How does Gikonyo's father throwing him and his mother out change him?

3. In "Chapter 2," who are some of rebels that are described?

4. What role do the Thompsons play in Kenya in "Chapter 4"?

5. In "Chapter 5," what happens when the Thompsons discuss leaving Africa?

6. In "Chapter 7," what turning point in Kihika's life does the narrator describe?

7. In "Chapter 5," what does Mrs. Thompson remember about Van Dyke?

8. In "Chapter 1", what happens when Mugo wakes up?

9. In "Chapter 2," what explanation is given for the Movement?

10. In "Chapter 1," what things do the villagers talk with Mugo about?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What message does the author convey about martyrdom? Some of the characters, like Kihika, Mugo, and Thompson, are likened to martyrs. Why might this be?

Essay Topic 2

Analyze the celebration of independence in "A Grain of Wheat." Explore the symbolism of the events as well as what message is delivered about independence.

Essay Topic 3

Examine the author's use of flashback in this novel. Several characters have flashbacks to the beginning of the Emergency and of the Movement. How does this device work? Is it effective or ineffective? Why?

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